Last mission to repair the Hubble telescopeHubble space telescope discoveries have enriched our understanding of the cosmos. In this special report, you will see facts about the Hubble space telescope, discoveries it has made and what the last mission's goals are.

For their own goodFifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.

Cycling

St. Petersburg club is getting ready for its holiday events

By JESSICA FISH
Published December 7, 2005

St. Petersburg Bicycle Club members are rushing about after their annual party last week. SPBC riders say they're busy in preparation for evening holiday rides through neighborhoods. Cyclists are ready to play host to the I Rode With The Legend Ride, scheduled for Dec. 18 and leaving from the Northshore Pool parking lot. Check-in will be at 8 a.m. Appearing as the guest of honor will be two-time Olympic cyclist John Sinibaldi Sr., a SPBC member.

"Our phones have been ringing off the hook with questions about this ride, said Sinibaldi's son, John, of Seminole. "Riders from all over the country are coming out of the woodwork, and they want to honor my dad.

Among the various guests coming to honor 92-year-old Sinibaldi will be leading bicycling journalist and author Roy M. Wallack.

Wallack, of Irvine, Calif., wrote Bike For Life: How To Ride To 100. He begins the book with: "Wouldn't you like to ride a century when you turn a century?"

A two-wheeled fantasy, you say, pedaling 100 miles at age 100? Hardly, Wallack says. "Americans are living longer. Centenarians number in the hundreds. But science and medicine can do only so much, and studies show that genetics account for just 20-30 percent of longevity. The rest is due to lifestyle choices, mainly exercise and diet, which can radically slow the age-related physical deterioration that naturally starts in your 30s."

Wallack has bike toured through the U.S., Europe and New Zealand, and he was among the first Westerners to ride through the Soviet Union. Former U.S. Olympic track cyclist Russell Allen, 92, shares the distinction of being the oldest living Olympic rider with Sinibaldi, Sr. Allen also will be in the St. Petersburg event. The two Olympians share memories of being on the U.S. team, and Sinibaldi is expected to speak about competing alongside world record-holder and Olympic gold medalist track athlete Jesse Owens. For information about the ride, contact www.stpetecycling.com or 727 399-5804.

CYCLOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS: Cyclist and city of Largo recreation supervisor Lance Riddile says his volunteers are putting the finishing touches on the Florida State Series, set for Jan. 15, Jan. 22, Feb. 19 and Feb. 26 at Largo Central Park Nature Preserve on Highland Avenue. USA Cycling has granted the series state championship designation.

"I've had an amazing response to the series," Riddile said.

The championships will be on the Citrus City course, near East Bay Drive in Largo. Volunteers are needed. For information, contact lriddile@largo.com or 727 518-3021.

NIGHT RIDES: Southwest Association Of Mountain Bike Pedallers Club Tuesday Night Flatwoods Rides are scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 20 and Dec. 27 at 6 p.m. in north Tampa. New riders are welcome. Members are organizing a trip to the IDIDARIDE 50-Mile Offroad Challenge, hosted Jan. 21 by the Suwannee Bicycle Association in White Springs. For offroad information or to join the organization, go online to www.SwampClub.org or call 813 689-5109.